Note: The RPG member type must be SQLRPGLE in both cases.Note: The user of a colon before a variable indicates it is otherwise declared within the program.Note: The compiler optimizes nondynamic SQL statements in an SQL precompiler.

As you can see, the total amount of lines is slightly smaller for using /FREE. The biggest benefits are the requirement to close the EXEC SQL, and that no C specs would be required, breaking up the rest of the /FREE code.

SQL is not always the right solution, but being able to make use of it adds a significant tool to your arsenal.